It's a cost versus reward situation. If you take more than you give to the places you visit, you're part of the problem. A simple scorecard can clarify this: Renting a place that could house a local family? That's a -1. Dining at a restaurant that sources from local farms? +1. Buying a cheap plastic umbrella from an unlicensed street vendor when it rains? -1. Having your morning coffee at a local spot? +1, and +2 if you order in the local language. Addressing this issue means cities will have to eliminate behaviors that score negatively, which could make these places less affordable. At a time when tourism offices are competing and likely incentivized by the number of visitors they attract, this won’t be popular. We can't put the toothpaste back in the tube—too many people, including ourselves, feel entitled to travel anywhere, anytime. I still remember when traveling was more exclusive and required significant preparation and a readiness for adventure. Too many have forgotten that.
It's a cost versus reward situation. If you take more than you give to the places you visit, you're part of the problem. A simple scorecard can clarify this: Renting a place that could house a local family? That's a -1. Dining at a restaurant that sources from local farms? +1. Buying a cheap plastic umbrella from an unlicensed street vendor when it rains? -1. Having your morning coffee at a local spot? +1, and +2 if you order in the local language. Addressing this issue means cities will have to eliminate behaviors that score negatively, which could make these places less affordable. At a time when tourism offices are competing and likely incentivized by the number of visitors they attract, this won’t be popular. We can't put the toothpaste back in the tube—too many people, including ourselves, feel entitled to travel anywhere, anytime. I still remember when traveling was more exclusive and required significant preparation and a readiness for adventure. Too many have forgotten that.